How to Stay Fresh in the Summer with Essential Oils

This post and photography are courtesy of Nic Abraham.

Essential oils play an important role in the summer months. They keep us fresh, remove bacteria from the air and skin, boost moods, repel insects and so much more. If you’d like to enjoy essential oils year-round but need a little help with seasonal uses, you’re in luck! I’ve rounded up my favorite recipes and blends to keep you cool, calm, and collected all summer long.

Face Spritz

At times, the heat can be harsh on the skin, leaving you with a dry and dull complexion. Sun exposure, sweat and heat can all lead to irritation and possible breakouts. If you have acne-prone skin, try an antibacterial face spritz to kill bacteria and reduce breakouts.

Homemade Antibacterial Face Spritz

Ingredients

• 1 cup of distilled water
• 1 tsp. of witch hazel
• 2 drops of lavender essential oil
• 2 drops of rose essential oil

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well before use.

Click Here to Print the Recipe for Homemade Antibacterial Face Spritz. 

If you need a little pick me up, try a mood refreshing face spritz that is also great for your skin. Not to mention, it smells amazing!

Homemade Mood Refresher Face Spritz

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of distilled water
• 1/2 cup of rose water
• 2 drops of geranium essential oil
• 2 drops of jasmine essential oil
• 2 drops of patchouli essential oil

Instructions

1. Mix all in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well before use.

Click Here to Print the Recipe for Homemade Mood Refresher Face Spritz.

Deodorant

Natural deodorant is growing in popularity. There are many great options available but, in my opinion, the best option is always the one you make at home. With a few simple ingredients, you can have peace knowing that chemical-packed deodorants no longer clog your pores. And while most bodies need a little time to adapt to natural deodorants, being chemical-free is well worth it.

Here’s a spray deodorant to keep underarms fresh all summer.

Homemade Natural Deodorant

Ingredients

• 4 Tbsp. of witch hazel
• 10 drops of sweet orange essential oil
• 1 drop of vetiver essential oil

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a small spray bottle.
2. Shake well before using and reapply as needed.

Click Here to Print the Recipe for Homemade Natural Deodorant.

If you prefer an unscented deodorant, here’s one without essential oils.

Homemade Unscented Natural Deodorant

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of baking soda
• 1/4 cup of cornstarch
• 6 Tbsp. coconut oil

Instructions

1. Combine baking soda, cornstarch and coconut oil in a bowl. Mix until it becomes creamy and place in a jar.
2. Apply a small amount of the mixture to each underarm.
3. Store in a cool location.

Note: Arrowroot powder can be used instead of cornstarch.

Click Here to Print the Recipe for Homemade Unscented Natural Deodorant.

Foot odor is the result of bacteria growth when toes become warm and sweaty. Bacteria thrive in warm, damp environments and sweaty toes are no exception. If you need a simple, yet effective way to knock out smelly feet, try this odor eliminating foot powder.

Homemade Odor Eliminating Foot Powder

Ingredients

• 6 Tbsp. of cornstarch
• 3 Tbsp. of baking soda
• 13 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 7 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
• 7 drops of tea tree essential oil

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix all ingredients and store in a jar.
2. When needed, sprinkle on feet and in shoes.

Note: Arrowroot powder can be used instead of cornstarch.

Click Here to Print the Recipe for Homemade Odor Eliminating Foot Powder.

Invigorating Air Purifying Blends

With so many external environmental pollutants, we often neglect to address the pollutants lurking within our internal environment–our home. The truth is, indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air. We are exposed to tons of chemicals in an enclosed space. This includes paint, furniture, mattresses, skincare products, clothing, disinfectants, cleaning solutions and more. Thankfully, we can reduce airborne bacteria and improve our moods with a custom blend of essential oils.

To breathe in cleaner air at home, add one these purifying blend to your diffuser.

Homemade Air Purifying Blends

Blend #1

Ingredients

• 5 drops of lemon essential oil
• 4 drops of rosemary essential oil
• 4 drops of tea tree essential oil
• 3 drops of lavender essential oil

Instructions

1. Add to a diffuser with water.

Blend #2

Ingredients

• 5 drops of lavender essential oil
• 5 drops of ylang ylang essential oil
• 4 drops of geranium essential oil

Instructions

1. Add to a diffuser with water.

Blend #3

Ingredients

• 4 drops of bergamot essential oil
• 4 drops of lavender essential oil
• 3 drops of rosemary essential oil
• 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

Instructions

1. Add to a diffuser with water.

Click Here to Print the Recipes for Homemade Air Purifying Blends

Summer Perfume Blends

Natural perfume is an excellent substitute for traditional options. Essential oils have a plethora of health benefits, and many also smell great. We can enjoy the scents in the air, but on our bodies as well. If you need essential oil perfume blends for the summer, here are two to enjoy.

Homemade Natural Perfumes

Blend #1

Ingredients

• 12 drops of sweet orange essential oil
• 8 drops of ylang ylang essential oil
• 4 drops of lavender essential oil
• Add dried lavender buds (optional)

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a 10 mL glass roller bottle or a dropper bottle along with a carrier oil (jojoba or sweet almond).

Blend #2

Ingredients

• 10 drops of rose essential oil
• 10 drops of sweet orange essential oil
• 6 drops of vanilla essential oil
• Add dried rose petals (optional)

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a 10 mL glass roller bottle or a dropper bottle along with a carrier oil (jojoba or sweet almond).

Click Here to Print the Recipes for Homemade Natural Perfumes.

Bug Spray

In need of a DEET-free insect repellent? This recipe will surely keep the critters away.

Homemade Natural Bug Spray

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of distilled water
• 1/2 cup of witch hazel
• 1/2 cup of basil leaves
• 25 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
• 20 drops of lemongrass essential oil
• 7 drops of peppermint essential oil

Instructions

1. Place the water in a pot and bring to a boil. Remove the pot from the heat.
2. Add the basil and witch hazel. Let it sit for about four hours.
3. Add in the essential oils and mix lightly.
4. Drain out the basil leaves and pour into a spray bottle.

Click Here to Print the Recipe for Homemade Natural Bug Spray.

By Nic Abraham

Nic Abraham is a holistic lifestyle and wellness enthusiast who runs the lifestyle blog, A Random’s Life. Her goal is to encourage women to make the necessary changes that lead to a healthier home and life.